How Much Does a Key Cost at a Locksmith?

By Michael G., 22 years of experience · November 6, 2026 · 7 min read

How much does a key cost at a locksmith? Our listed starting price is a $15 service call; we do not list a separate price for the key itself. Call (240) 366-2739 now. We make a new car key on site when all keys are lost.

Our Starting Prices in Silver Spring

Need help now? (240) 366-2739

How Much Does a Key Cost at a Locksmith in Practice?

Our listed price for a service call is $15. That is the amount listed for the call, not a separate price for a replacement key. The prices provided for car, house, and business lockouts are also $15 service calls.

A car key replacement can involve a different job from getting back into a locked car. We make a new car key on site when all keys are lost, but there is no separate car-key price in our listed prices. Before you authorize key work, ask what the total will be for your specific request.

The final amount you are quoted may depend on the service you need, so explain the situation clearly. If you want to compare the listed amounts, see our prices; the $15 service-call amount should not be mistaken for a quoted key-replacement total.

Which Locksmith Service Fits Your Missing Car Key?

First identify whether you need help entering the car, replacing a missing key, or addressing a key that no longer works. Those are different problems, and a clear description helps you ask about the right service.

Three Key Problems and the Starting Price That Applies

These examples distinguish a listed service-call amount from the unlisted price of key work. They can help you describe the job accurately when you call.

• The car is locked and the key is inside — Ask for a car lockout. Its listed starting price is a $15 service call; it is not a price for a newly made key.
• All car keys are missing — Ask for car key replacement and explain that every key is lost. We can make a new car key on site in this situation. The listed prices do not give a separate amount for the replacement key.
• You are locked out of a house or business — These are different from car key replacement. The listed starting price for either a house lockout or business lockout is a $15 service call.

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Seven Steps to Get the Right Car-Key Price

A few details can help you explain the job and understand what you are being asked to approve. Keep the car and its keys with you; do not try to defeat a lock or alter the ignition.

1. Say whether you are locked out or missing a key — Tell us if the key is inside the car, you have a damaged key, or all keys are lost. Check that the problem you describe matches the service you are asking about.
2. Identify what you still have — Gather any working spare key, key fob, or damaged key. Check whether the spare starts the car or only operates the door, and explain what you observe.
3. Note the vehicle details — Have the year, make, and model available, along with the vehicle identification number if you can access it safely. Check these details against the registration or the vehicle paperwork.
4. Describe the key or fob — Explain whether you use a metal key, a fob, or both, and describe any visible damage. Check that you are describing the key for this vehicle, not a spare for another car.
5. Ask what the service call covers — Our listed service-call price is $15, but that is not a separate price for a replacement key. Before approving key work, ask for the total amount for the job you described.
6. Confirm where the work will happen — We are a mobile locksmith and come to you; we make a new car key on site when all keys are lost. Check that the vehicle is at the location where you need help.
7. Test the result before you leave — Once the work is complete, check that the new key operates the intended functions, such as starting the vehicle and operating its doors. If something does not work as expected, tell the locksmith before ending the visit.

What to Clarify Before Approving Key Replacement

The service-call amount and the key itself are separate parts of the price question. We list a $15 service call, but not a separate amount for car key replacement, key fob replacement, programming, or repair. Ask which work is included in the amount you are given and whether any additional work is proposed.

Be specific about what the key does. For example, say whether it turns in the ignition, starts the car, unlocks the doors, or fails altogether. Do not treat a weak or damaged fob as automatically equivalent to a lost key; describe the symptoms and ask which service fits.

If you are comparing a locksmith with another option, compare the full amount for the same job rather than comparing a service call with a complete replacement. You can also ask about available discounts: eligible veterans and active military, seniors 65 and older, and listed public-safety and health workers receive 10% off. One discount applies per job, and discounts do not apply to the $15 service call.

A Cut Key, a Key Fob, and a Replacement Are Different Requests

People often use “car key” to mean several different things. Name the part you have and the problem you are seeing, then confirm that the requested work addresses it.

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Details to Have Ready When You Call About a Car Key

Useful information makes it easier to describe the problem without guessing at the repair. Gather what you can safely access; do not delay an urgent call to search for every item.

• Vehicle information — The year, make, and model, plus the vehicle identification number if available. Check that the details match the car needing service.
• Keys and fobs you still have — A working spare, a damaged key, or a fob can help you explain what still works. Keep them together so you can describe each one accurately.
• Your location and the immediate problem — Tell us where the vehicle is and whether you are locked out, have lost every key, or need help with a faulty key. Confirm that the car is accessible for on-site service.
• Vehicle ownership information — Have registration or other vehicle documents available if you can. A locksmith may need to confirm that you are authorized to request work on the vehicle.

When to Call for Mobile Car Key Replacement

Call when all keys are lost, when you cannot enter your car, or when a key problem leaves you unable to use the vehicle. Do not force a key, pry at a door, or attempt to defeat the lock or ignition; those actions can create damage and make the original problem harder to resolve.

MD Locksmith is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and comes to you. For a replacement, ask about our car key replacement service and explain whether you have a spare or have lost every key. To discuss the job directly, contact us by phone.

If you are checking a locksmith before hiring, the Associated Locksmiths of America offers information for consumers. Choose a provider you can identify and ask what work and amount you are authorizing before work begins.

Frequently asked questions